This week, Advertiser writer Catherine Toth told the stories of five brave veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion — the first all-Japanese battalion made up of volunteers from Hawai'i. Events will be held this weekend to mark its 65th anniversary, including a memorial service today for those who died, and a banquet luncheon tomorrow for the brave, surviving soldiers.

With most of them now in their 80s, it is the telling of their stories that will keep their legacy alive. Indeed, all soldiers who fight for their country have to face the dangers of war.

But these Japanese-American men volunteered to fight for the U.S. at a time when the bombing of Pearl Harbor cast doubt over their allegiance to the country.

Nevertheless, the nisei soldiers of the 100th and of the 442nd fought valiantly and without hesitation — one only needs to look at the medals they earned to see that. More than 1,000 Purple Hearts were given to these troops, earning them the nickname "Purple Heart Battalion." More than 9,000 were wounded and 650 soldiers killed in action during World War II. Among the injured was 2nd Lt. Daniel K. Inouye, who received a battlefield commission in November 1944.

The 442nd's motto, "Go for broke," said it all. They gave it their all. And for that, they will always merit the nation's gratitude and respect.